Selecting racing pigeons is a learned skill, and not all of us not agree on what makes a good pigeon. The only real selection test for racing pigeons is the race performance. If your bird cannot perform in races don't even think about keeping it, except in the case of inbred stock pigeons which are used to produce your best flyers. A good book on racing pigeons is Bob Kinney's "THE WILL TO PREPARE". One thing to remember is once the pigeon is in the air, only his intelligence, health, homing ability, and his love of home is going to make your pigeon race home.
You are the Coach of your pigeon team. Your handling of the team means the difference in winning or just flying pigeons.